Device for applying substance to eyelashes or eyebrows

ABSTRACT

An applicator for applying a substance to a fringe of eyelashes or eyebrows, may include a stem, a support associated with the stem and extending along a longitudinal axis, and a plurality of applicator elements extending from the support substantially transversely relative to the longitudinal axis. The applicator elements may extend over a distance along the longitudinal axis of the support such that when the longitudinal axis extends substantially tangentially to the fringe, the applicator elements can at most come into contact simultaneously with no more than one-fourth of the eyelashes or the eyebrows of the fringe.

This application claims benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/628,533, filed Nov. 18, 2004, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. This application also claims benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. §119 to French Patent Application No. 04 52397, filed Oct. 21, 2004, the contents of which are also incorporated herein by reference.

The present invention relates to an applicator for applying a substance (e.g., mascara) to the eyelashes or the eyebrows.

Various applicators are proposed in the following patent applications: EP 1 070 465, EP 1 070 466, EP 1 070 467, EP 1 070 468, EP 1 115 503, EP 1 115 304, EP 1 115 305, EP 1 157 629, EP 1 157 632, EP 1 169 941, and FR 2 810 861, the contents of each of which are incorporated in the present application by reference in their entirety.

Patent application FR 2 564 712 discloses a cosmetic applicator comprising an elongate handle provided with a plurality of bristles or teeth molded integrally therewith and extending axially from one of the ends of the handle.

There may exist a need to benefit from an applicator enabling novel makeup effects to be obtained on the eyelashes and/or the eyebrows, for example, enabling substance to be deposited only on a single patch of eyelashes or eyebrows.

Using an applicator of the paintbrush type for this kind of application may not be very satisfactory since if the brush is not sufficiently wiped, then it may retain a drop of substance at its tip which may create a blob on the eyelashes.

If the brush is wiped too much, then the amount of substance that remains may turn out to be insufficient.

The use of a flocked applicator may make it possible to obtain a good quantity of substance but it may be difficult, if so desired, to separate eyelashes that have become stuck together by the substance.

Although the present invention may obviate one or more of the above-mentioned needs, it should be understood that some aspects of the invention might not necessarily obviate one or more of those needs.

In the following description, certain aspects and embodiments will become evident. It should be understood that the invention, in its broadest sense, could be practiced without having one or more features of these aspects and embodiments. It should be understood that these aspects and embodiments are merely exemplary.

One exemplary aspect may relate to an applicator for applying a substance to a fringe of eyelashes or eyebrows. The applicator may include a stem, a support associated with the stem and extending along a longitudinal axis, and a plurality of applicator elements. The plurality of applicator elements may include only two applicator elements, may be disposed on the support, and may extend substantially transversely to the longitudinal axis of the support.

In another aspect, the applicator elements may extend over a distance along the longitudinal axis of the support such that when the longitudinal axis extends substantially tangentially to the fringe, the applicator elements can at most come into contact simultaneously with no more than a fraction of the eyelashes or the eyebrows of the fringe, for example, one-fourth, one-fifth, or one-sixth of the eyelashes or the eyebrows of the fringe.

In a further aspect, a made-up patch of eyelashes or eyebrows may correspond, for example, to no more than a fraction of the length of the fringe, for example, one-fourth, one-fifth, or one-sixth of the length of the fringe.

In yet another aspect, the applicator elements may comprise teeth and/or bristles.

In yet a further aspect, the applicator may enable the eyelashes to be covered suitably, for example, while exerting a combing action.

In still another aspect, the applicator elements may extend on the support over a distance that is short enough to enable one or a few patches of eyelashes or eyebrows to be made up, for example, so as to enable somewhat unique makeup effects to be obtained.

In a still further aspect, it may be possible to create colored patches or stripes in the eyelashes. For example, it may be possible to make up the eyelashes in a given fringe using at least two different colors.

As used herein, the word “fringe” refers to the eyelashes of the top eyelid or those of the bottom eyelid, going from the inner corner to the outer corner of the eyelid, or the eyebrow arch over one or the other of a user's eyes.

In another aspect, the applicator elements may extend along the support over any suitable distance, for example, in the range of about 0.1 centimeters (cm) to 1 cm, less than or equal to 8 millimeters (mm), less than or equal to 7 mm, less than or equal to 6 mm, lying in the range of 2 mm to 5 mm, or in the range of 2 mm to 3 mm.

In a further aspect, an applicator for applying a substance on the eyelashes or the eyebrows may include a stem, a support associated with the stem and extending along a longitudinal axis, and at least one row of applicator elements The applicator elements may constitute teeth. The applicator elements of the at least one row may each extend substantially transversely to the longitudinal axis of the support and may present free ends at distances from the longitudinal axis that may vary in a non-monotonic manner between the two opposite end applicator elements of the row.

As used herein, the term “varying in non-monotonic manner” should be understood as meaning that the line interconnecting the free ends of the applicator elements has a distance from the longitudinal axis of the support that passes through at least one extremum, e.g., a maximum distance of a free end of a longest applicator element from the longitudinal axis of the support.

The presence of a maximum in the row of applicator elements may enable applicator elements to penetrate progressively further into the eyelashes, for example, to make it easier to apply makeup to a patch.

In another aspect, the number of applicator elements in the row, in particular the number of teeth, may be any suitable number, for example, in the range of 3 to 9, in the range of 3 to 8, and/or in the range of 3 to 7.

In a further aspect, the support and the applicator elements may be made as a single piece, for example, by molding or by machining. In a variant, the applicator elements may be separate from the support and may be fitted to the support.

In yet another aspect, the support and the stem may be made as a single piece, for example, by molding, or in a variant the support may be separate from the stem and may be fitted to the stem. Under such circumstances, the support may include an endpiece arranged to engage on or within a housing of the stem, or the stem may include an endpiece arranged to engage on or within a housing of the support.

In a yet further aspect, the stem may extend along a longitudinal axis that is different from the longitudinal axis of the support. Under such circumstances, the longitudinal axis of the stem and the longitudinal axis of the support, for example, the respective portions thereof carrying the applicator element, may form between them any suitable angle. For example, the angle may lie in the range of 5° to 45°, in the range of 15° to 25°, or equal to about 20°. Such a configuration may make the applicator more comfortable to handle while applying substance to the eyelashes. The longitudinal axis of the support may be curvilinear or rectilinear.

In still another aspect, the stem may extend along a longitudinal axis that substantially coincides with the longitudinal axis of the support.

In a still further aspect, the applicator and/or the support may be made at least in part out of a material that is flexible or rigid, for example, at least in part out of a thermoplastic, an elastomer, or a thermoplastic elastomer material. The material may be molded. The applicator may be made at least in part out of any material or combination of materials, for example, wood and/or metal. The material may be machined.

In another aspect, the support may be made of an elastically deformable material. The elastically deformable material may enable one side of the support to be wiped preferentially.

In a further aspect, the stem and the support may be made out of different materials.

In yet another aspect, when the applicator is observed from the side, a line interconnecting the free ends of the applicator element may present a distance from the longitudinal axis of the support that passes through at least one extremum, for example, a maximum distance from the longitudinal axis of the support, which may enable the applicator to penetrate more progressively further into the eyelashes.

In a further aspect, any line defined herein or any portion of any line defined herein may have any suitable shape, for example, a triangular shape, a rounded shape, a circular shape, or a bullet-like shape.

In still another aspect, any line disclosed herein may include a profile. The profile may include a maximum distance and a minimum distance, for example, relative to the longitudinal axis of the support. A first straight line may interconnect free ends of a longest applicator element associated with the maximum distance from the longitudinal axis of the support and a shortest applicator element associated with a minimum distance from the longitudinal axis of the support closest to the longest applicator element. A second straight line may include the normal to the longitudinal axis of the support. The normal may pass through the free end of the longest applicator element. The angle formed between the first line and the second line may lie in the range of 25° to about 60°, in the range of 25° to 50°, in the range of 25° to 45°, in the range of 30° to 45°, or be equal to about 43°.

In a still further aspect, the distance of any line defined herein, as measured from the longitudinal axis of the support, may pass through two or more extremum.

In another aspect, the applicator elements may be disposed in a single row or in at least two rows. When there are at least two rows, the applicator elements in a first row and those in a second row may extend in different directions. Alternatively, the applicator elements in the first row and those in the second row may extend in substantially parallel directions. The two rows may be disposed substantially opposite to each other relative to the support.

In a further aspect, the applicator element may have any suitable height. For example, the height may lie in the range of about 0.5 mm to about 10 mm, or in the range of about 1 mm to about 3 mm.

In yet another aspect, the applicator elements may be disposed in at least one row. The row may comprise a succession of applicator elements that, at least along a portion of the row, extend in alternation on opposite sides of a separation plane.

In a yet further aspect, the applicator elements may present bases that are in alignment or not in alignment.

In still another aspect, the applicator elements may be disposed in at least one row. The row may extend along an axis that is substantially rectilinear. The applicator elements may also extend in alternation on opposite sides of a middle core.

In a still further aspect, the applicator elements may be disposed in at least one row. The row may comprise a succession of applicator elements. At least some of the applicator elements may extend in alternation on opposite sides of a separation plane. Two consecutive applicator elements may have adjacent portions that appear to substantially touch or overlap when the applicator is observed from the side. The two consecutive applicator elements may form between them a notch suitable for receiving an eyelash.

In another aspect, the applicator may constitute a comb or a brush.

In a further aspect, the applicator may constitute a brush having a support. The support may comprise two twisted-together wires having a small diameter, e.g., a diameter less than or equal to 0.7 mm, lying in the range of 0.2 mm to 0.6 mm, or lying in the range of 0.3 mm to 0.5 mm.

In yet another aspect, the applicator may constitute a brush having applicator elements. The applicator elements may be bristles having a small diameter, e.g., less than or equal to 8/100 mm, or less than equal to 6/100 mm.

In a yet further aspect, the brush may have a twisted core. The twisted core may have any number of turns, for example, lying in the range of 3 to 6. The bristles may extend from the core in two substantially helical sheets. The number of turns of the twisted core corresponds to the sum of the revolutions of the two sheets around the twisted core. A portion of the twisted core may have no bristles, for example, in the vicinity of the junction between the support and the stem.

In still another aspect, the cross-section of the envelope surface of the brush may be circular, square, or have some other suitable shape.

In a still further aspect, the brush may present an envelope surface in the form of two combs. The envelope surface may be conical or frustoconical in shape. The larger base of the comb may be situated beside an end of the brush, for example, the distal end or the proximal end of the brush.

In another aspect, the invention may provide a brush for applying a substance to the eyelashes and/or the eyebrows. The brush may comprise a twisted core and bristles extending from the core. The number of twists in the twisted core may be less than or equal to 6.

A further aspect may provide a brush for applying a substance to the eyelashes and/or the eyebrows. The brush may comprise a core and bristles extending from the core. The length of the portion of the brush carrying the bristles may have any suitable length, for example, less than or equal to 8 mm, less than or equal to 7 mm, or less than or equal to 6 mm.

Another aspect may provide a brush for applying a substance to the eyelashes and/or the eyebrows. The brush may comprise a core and bristles extending from the core. The bristles may be contained in an envelope surface having any suitable shape, for example, substantially frustoconical, conical, or bi-conical. The smallest angle formed between a plane containing the greatest cross-section of the brush and a tangent to the envelope surface of the brush at its intersection with the plane may be any suitable angle, for example, lying in the range of 20° to 60°, 25° to 50°, or 30° to 35°.

In a yet further aspect, the invention may provide a brush for applying a substance to the eyelashes and/or the eyebrows. The brush may comprise a core and bristles extending from the core. The envelope surface of the brush may present any suitable shape, for example, substantially bi-conical. The angle at the apex of the junction between the truncated cones may be any suitable angle, for example, less than or equal to 120°, or less than or equal to 90°.

Still another aspect may provide a comb for applying a substance to the eyelashes and/or the eyebrows. The comb may comprise a support with teeth extending substantially transversely relative to the longitudinal axis of the support. The distance between the two end teeth along the longitudinal axis may be any suitable distance, for example, less than or equal to 8 mm, less than or equal to 7 mm, or less than or equal to 6 mm.

A further aspect may provide a comb for applying a substance to the eyelashes and/or the eyebrows. The comb may comprise a support and teeth extending substantially transversely relative to the longitudinal axis of the support. The teeth may include a longest tooth with a first length and a shortest tooth with a second length. The ratio of the first length to the second length may be greater than or equal to 1.3.

Yet another aspect may provide a comb for applying a substance to the eyelashes and/or the eyebrows. The comb may include a support with teeth extending substantially transversely relative to the longitudinal axis of the support. The angle formed between a straight line interconnecting the free end of a shortest tooth to the free end of a longest tooth and a straight line perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the support passing through the free end of the longest tooth may lie in the range of 20° to 60°.

A further aspect may provide a packaging and an applicator device for applying a substance to a fringe of eyelashes or eyebrows. The device may include a receptacle for containing the substance and an applicator. The applicator may include any brush or comb defined herein.

In another aspect, the device may include a wiper member. The wiper member may comprise a block of cellular material, for example, a foam having open or closed cells with or without flocking. Alternatively, the wiper member may comprise a non-cellular material. The non-cellular material may be flocked, e.g., an elastomer or a polyolefin. The wiper member may include at least one slot and/or have a lip arranged to wipe the stem.

In a still further aspect, the device may include a wiper member. The applicator support may be shaped so as to make it easier to pass the applicator support through the wiper member, for example, the applicator support may include a rounded nose in front and/or a bulge in back.

In still another aspect, the stem of the applicator may be connected to a closure cap of the receptacle. The stem may be configured to act as a handle member. The applicator may be housed inside the receptacle when the device is in the closed position.

In a yet further aspect, the substance may be any cosmetic or care product adapted for application to the eyelashes or the eyebrows, for example, mascara. The cosmetic or care product may be black or some color other than black. The substance may be in any suitable form, for example, a liquid, a paste, or a solid form, e.g., in the form of a cake.

In yet another aspect, the device may include an additional receptacle for containing some other substance and an additional applicator for applying said other substance. The other substance contained in the additional receptacle may be different from the substance contained in the receptacle. The additional applicator may constitute, for example, a brush or a comb, e.g., any brush or comb defined herein.

A further aspect of the invention may include a device. The device may include any applicator defined herein associated with a mascara having a color that is black or other than black. The device may also include another applicator, e.g. a brush or a comb, associated with a mascara of a color that is different the mascara associated with the other applicator, for example, other than black or black. The two applicators may be secured to each other, for example, during in use. The brush or comb may be any suitable brush or comb, for example, any brush or comb defined herein.

Another aspect of the invention may provide a method of making up the eyelashes or the eyebrows with a cosmetic. The method may include applying the substance to at least one patch of the eyelashes or the eyebrows using any applicator as defined herein.

The method may include making up the eyelashes or the eyebrows with another cosmetic different from the cosmetic that is for use in making up the patches. The making up may occur before the applying of the substance.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention, as claimed.

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate several embodiments of the invention and together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

The invention can be better understood on reading the following detailed description of non-limiting embodiments thereof, and on examining the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic elevation view, partially in section, showing a device including an application according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 shows a schematic view of the applicator of FIG. 1 in use;

FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic and fragmentary side view of the applicator of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a diagrammatic and fragmentary perspective view of the applicator of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a view analogous to FIG. 3 of an applicator according to another embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 6 is a view analogous to FIG. 4 showing the applicator of FIG. 5;

FIGS. 7 to 9 are diagrammatic and fragmentary side views of applicators according to various embodiments of the invention;

FIGS. 10 and 11 are partial section views of stems of applicators being fastened to supports according to still more embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 12 is a diagrammatic and fragmentary side view of an applicator according to a further embodiment of the invention;

FIGS. 13 to 17 are diagrammatic and fragmentary side views of different profiles of different applicators according to still further embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 18 is a diagrammatic and fragmentary side view of an applicator having two rows of applicator elements according to yet another embodiment of the invention;

FIGS. 19 to 22 are diagrammatic axial section views of different applicators having one or more rows of applicator elements according to yet further embodiments of the invention;

FIGS. 23 and 24 are side views of different configurations of applicator elements according to various embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 25 shows a variant of the device of FIG. 1 including a wiper member according to another embodiment of the invention;

FIGS. 26 and 27 are diagrammatic and fragmentary axial section views of devices including different wiper members according to yet more embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 28 is a view analogous to FIG. 1 showing a device including a brush according to a yet further embodiment of the invention;

FIGS. 29 to 35 are fragmentary diagrammatic views of various brushes according to yet further embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 36 is a diagrammatic cross-section of the brush of FIG. 28;

FIG. 37 is a fragmentary perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the invention in which the substance is deposited on the applicator element from a flexible tube;

FIG. 38 is a fragmentary perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of the invention in which the substance for application is in the form of a solid or a powder;

FIGS. 39 to 43 are diagrammatic axial section views of devices each containing two substances and having two applicators in accordance with various embodiments of the invention; and

FIGS. 44 and 45 are diagrammatic illustrations of examples of the kind of makeup effects that can be obtained using a device in accordance with various embodiments of the invention.

MORE DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to exemplary embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts.

The device 1 shown in FIGS. 1 to 4 may include a receptacle 2 containing a supply of a cosmetic P, for example, mascara, and may include an applicator 3 having a stem 4 extending along a longitudinal axis X.

The stem 4 may be provided at one end with a support 5 having a plurality of applicator elements 6, and may at its opposite end be configured to be connected to a closure cap 7 for closing the receptacle 2. The stem 4 also may constitute a handle element.

The closure cap 7 may have an inside thread (not visible), for example, for screwing the closure cap 7 onto the neck 11 of the receptacle 2. The neck 11 may have an outside thread. However, the closure cap 7 may be connected to the neck 11 in any suitable manner.

The receptacle 2 may include a wiper member 8, for example, disposed in the neck 11. The wiper member 8 may have a wiper lip 9 arranged to wipe the stem 4 and/or the support 5 carrying the applicator elements 6.

The wiper member 8 may be deformable, for example, when the applicator elements 6 passes through the wiper member 8.

The wiper member 8 may be made by injection molding and may be made of polyolefin. However, the wiper member 8 may be made using any suitable method and out of any suitable material.

The receptacle 2 may be configured to be closed in a leaktight manner when not in use, for example, by screwing the closure cap 7 onto the neck 11.

The applicator 3 may include a comb and the applicator elements 6 may constitute teeth. The support 5 may extend along a longitudinal axis Y that forms a non-zero angle α relative to the longitudinal axis X of the stem 4, for example, as can be seen in FIG. 3. Angle α may lie in the range of 5° to 45°.

The applicator elements 6 may be disposed in a row 10. The applicator elements 6 may include any number of applicator elements 6, for example, six (6) applicator elements.

The applicator elements 6 may be situated on the support 5 in any suitable configuration(s).

The row 10 may have a first series of teeth 6 a and a second series of teeth 6 b. The first series of teeth 6 a and the second series of teeth 6 b may be disposed in any suitable configuration. The first series of teeth 6 a and the second series of teeth 6 b may be respectively situated on opposites sides of a separation plane S. The separation plane S may be a middle plane of symmetry of the comb, may be parallel to the plane in which FIG. 3 is disposed, and may constitute a join plane for molding the comb.

The teeth 6 a and 6 b may extend in alternation on opposite sides of a common core 15 of the support 5. Support 5 may act as a skeleton with the bottom end of the teeth 6 a and 6 b being connected thereto. The teeth 6 a and 6 b may be connected to the support 5 in any suitable manner.

The support 5 may have any suitable configuration. The support 5 may have a rounded nose 17 at its front, for example, to make it easier to place the support 5 into the receptacle 2.

At its rear end, the support 5 may have a bulge 18, for example, that may make it easier to pass the support 5 through the wiper member 8 when the support 5 is being extracted from the receptacle 2.

Each applicator element 6 may have a top portion 20 terminating in a free end 30, and may have a bottom portion 22 extending from the core 15 of the support 5.

The applicator elements 6 may extend substantially perpendicular to the axis Y of the support 5.

The free ends 30 of the applicator elements may be situated at a distance from the longitudinal axis Y that varies in non-monotonic, continuous manner between the applicator elements disposed on the end of the row 10, e.g., from the left end of the applicator 3 to the right end of the applicator 3 in FIG. 3.

In the example shown in FIG. 3, when the applicator is observed from its side, the line L interconnecting the free ends 30 may present, in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the stem 4 and to the above-mentioned separation plane S, any suitable shape. The suitable shape may be a substantially triangular shape. For example, the line L may include two rectilinear segments forming between them any suitable angle, for example, substantially equal to 90°.

Teeth 6 a and 6 b may have any suitable length, which may be the same lengths or different lengths relative to each other. For example, the longest teeth 6 a and 6 b in each set of applicator elements 6 may have substantially the same length.

The straight line D₁ passing through the free end of the shortest applicator element starting from the distal end of the applicator and the free end of the longest applicator element that is closer to the shortest element may coincide with the first rectilinear segment of the line L.

The angle α₁ formed between the line D₁ and the perpendicular line N₁ to the axis Y passing through the free end of the above-mentioned longest applicator element may form any angle, for example, in the range of 25° to 60°, or substantially equal to about 43°.

The line D₂ passing through the shortest applicator element starting from the proximal end of the support 5 and the longest applicator element that is closer to said shortest element may coincide with the second rectilinear segment of the line L.

The angle α₂ formed between the line D₂ and the perpendicular line N₂ to the axis Y passing through the free end of this longest applicator element may lie in the same range of values as the angle α₁, for example, angle α₂ may be substantially equal to α₁. The angle at the apex between the segments of the line L may be less than or equal to 120°, for example, less than or equal to 90°.

The applicator elements 6 may extend on the support 5 over any suitable distance, for example, a relatively short distance d. Distance d may lie in the range of about 0.1 cm and about 1 cm. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, using the applicator 3, it may be possible to apply a substance (e.g., makeup) to a single patch of eyelashes at a time, without touching all of the eyelashes on the eyelid. For example, the applicator elements 6 may be configured, at most, to come into contact simultaneously with no more than one-fourth of the eyelashes of the top eyelid.

The substance P may be applied to eyelashes or eyebrows that have already have had a substance (e.g., makeup) applied thereto.

The substance P may include an suitable formulation, for example, a reversible polymer formulation, e.g., a vinyl formulation. The substance P may be configured to withstand cold water and/or dissolve in hot water.

The substance P may constitute a mascara having any suitable color, for example, black and/or colored. The formulation of the substance P may make it compatible with an underlying mascara, for example, so that when the substance P is applied to form a patch on eyelashes that have already been made up, it may not remove the mascara that is already present on the eyelashes.

The support 5 and the applicator elements 6 may be made integrally as a single piece. However, the support 5 and the applicator elements 6 may also be made as separate pieces. The support 5 and the applicator elements 6 may be made out of a plastic material, for example, via molding. However, the support 5 and the applicator elements 6 may be made using any suitable method and out of any suitable material. The support 5 may be fitted to the stem 4 in any suitable manner, for example, the manner that is described in greater detail below with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11.

The top portions 20 of two consecutive applicator elements 6 may leave between them a notch 21 extending substantially down to the core 15, for example, when the comb is observed from the side as shown in FIG. 3. The notches 21 may make it easier to take hold of the eyelashes, e.g., for the purposes of separating them, combing them, and/or smoothing out the substance that has been deposited on the surface of the eyelashes.

It will be understood that by varying the lengths of the applicator elements and/or the gaps between them, it may easier to control the total quantity of substance picked up by the applicator.

The distance between the tips of two successive applicator elements 6 a or 6 b, for example, situated on the same side of the separation plane, may be any suitable distance. For example, the distance may be considerably greater than the width of an applicator element as measured at half height of the applicator 3, e.g., in a direction parallel to the axis Y of the support 5.

When the applicator 3 is observed from the side, each applicator element 6 a may extend over substantially half the distance between two adjacent applicator elements 6 b, and vice versa.

The top portions 20 of the applicator elements 6 may all point in substantially the same direction.

The bottom portions 22 of two successive applicator elements, for example, situated on the same side of the core 15, may have any suitable configuration. For example, the bottom portions 22 of two successive applicator elements may co-operate with each other and/or with the core 15 to form a cavity 23 that may hold a supply of substance.

The spacing between the applicator elements 6 a or 6 b may be any suitable spacing. For example, the spacing may be relatively large, which may increase the quantity of substance that the applicator can pick up without the applicator losing the ability to take hold of the eyelashes. This may be made possible by the applicator elements 6 being offset from each other and/or by the fact that the notches 21 formed by the top portion 20 of the applicator elements 6 may remain sufficiently narrow.

The applicator elements 6 may present numerous configurations without going beyond the ambit of the present invention. For example, the top portions may be oriented in different directions.

The applicator elements 6 may be arranged on the support in a various configurations.

FIGS. 5 and 6 show another example of an applicator comprising a plurality of teeth 6, e.g., extending along a row 10. For example, the plurality of teeth may include seven teeth, however, any suitable number of teeth 6 may be used. As can be seen in FIG. 6, the bases 22 of teeth 6 may be in alignment and/or the top portions 20 of two consecutive teeth 6 a and 6 b may diverge.

FIG. 7 shows that it is may be possible to make the stem 4 with a longitudinal axis X that coincides with the longitudinal axis Y of the support 5.

As shown in FIG. 8, the longitudinal axis Y of the support 5 may form a non-zero angle α with the longitudinal axis X of the stem 4. The direction of inclination of the support 5 in FIG. 8 may be the opposite from that of the direction of inclination of the support 5 in FIGS. 1 to 4.

The support 5 may be made integrally with the stem 4, for example, as shown in FIG. 9. The support 5 and/or the stem 4 may be made of a plastics material, for example, via molding. The support 5 may also be fitted to the stem 4.

As shown in FIG. 10, the support 5 may have a substantially cylindrical endpiece 35 with an annular groove 36. The stem 4 may have a complementary housing 37 with an annular bead 38 arranged to snap into the groove 36.

The endpiece 35 may be configured to form a press-fit on and/or in the stem 4.

As shown in FIG. 11, the stem 4 may carry a substantially cylindrical endpiece 40 that may be arranged to be received in a complementary housing 41 of the support 5.

The number of teeth constituting the applicator 3 may be less than seven, e.g., less then six. For example, as shown in FIG. 12, there may be only two teeth 6. The teeth may or may not all have the same width.

As shown in FIGS. 13 to 17, the line L interconnecting the free ends 30 of the applicator elements 6 may present any suitable shape, for example, various shapes different than those shown in FIGS. 1 to 11.

For example, in various embodiments the line L may have a rounded shape, e.g., a substantially circular as shown in FIG. 13 and/or bullet-shaped as shown in FIG. 14. The extremum of the line L may be situated substantially in the middle of the support 5 as shown FIGS. 13 and 14, may be closer to the stem 4 as shown in FIG. 15, or may be closer to the distal end of the applicator as shown in FIG. 16. The distance of the line L from the longitudinal axis Y of the support 5 may have two extremum, e.g., maximum distances of free ends of longest applicator elements relative to longitudinal axis Y of support 5, for example, as shown in FIG. 17.

As shown in FIG. 13, the support 5 may not have a rounded nose 17 and/or a bulge 18.

As also shown in FIG. 13, any of the lines D₁ and D₂ and the normal N to the longitudinal axis Y of the support 5 may pass through the free end of the longest applicator element. In some embodiments, there may be only one longest applicator element.

The angle α₁ formed between the line D₁ and the normal N, and angle α₂ formed between the line D₂ and the normal N may be substantially equal or may be different. For example, the angle α₁ and/or the angle α₂ may be any such angle set forth herein.

As shown in FIG. 17, angles α₁ and α₂ relative to the normal N passing through the free end of the applicator element may be associated with the first relative extremum, and/or angles α′₁ and α′₂ relative to the normal N′ passing through the free end of the applicator element may correspond to the second relative extremum. All of these angles may lie in any of the ranges set forth herein.

FIG. 18 shows that it may be possible for the support 5 to have two rows of applicator elements, for example, two rows situated substantially opposite each other, e.g., the core 15 of the support 5. The applicator elements may extend differently from one row to the other. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 18, the two rows of applicator elements may present different profiles when the applicator 3 is observed from the side.

In cross-section, the core 15 may present any suitable shape, for example, a circular shape as shown in FIGS. 19, 20, and 22, a flat shape, or a substantially rectilinear shape as shown in FIG. 21.

The support 5 may have one or more rows of teeth with the teeth being in any suitable configuration relative to each other, for example, a single row of teeth in alignment as shown in FIG. 19, or a plurality of rows of teeth extending in different directions, e.g., diverging directions as shown in FIG. 20, or in parallel directions as shown in FIG. 21.

FIG. 22 shows an exemplary applicator having a plurality of rows 10 which may be disposed all around the core 15 of the support 5.

When the applicator element is observed from the side, the applicator elements 6 may present over at least a fraction of their length a width profile that is substantially constant, for example, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 22. However, the applicator elements 6 may present a profile that is different, for example, a profile that is substantially triangular as shown in FIG. 23.

The applicator elements may be disposed in a staggered configuration, for example, as shown in FIG. 24.

In various embodiments, the wiper member 8 may have a configuration different from that shown in FIG. 1. For example, FIG. 25 shows a device in which the wiper member 8 may constitute a cellular material, e.g., a foam having open or closed cells.

The wiper member 8 may constitute by an elastomer having at least one slot 50, for example, as shown in FIG. 26. The wiper member 8 may have an annular lip 51 in a position other than at its bottom end, for example, as shown in FIG. 27.

The applicator elements may not have teeth. For example, the applicator elements may have bristles fitted to the support, e.g., as shown in FIG. 28. The bristles 60 of applicator 3 may extend substantially transversely to the longitudinal axis Y of the support, and the longitudinal axis Y of the support may coincide with the longitudinal axis X of the stem 4, for example, as shown in FIG. 28.

The bristles 60 may extend over a distance d along the longitudinal axis Y of the support such that the bristles come simultaneously into contact with no more than one-fourth of the eyelashes or eyebrows in the fringe of eyelashes or eyebrows to which makeup is to be applied. The distance d may by any suitable difference, for example, in a range from 2 mm to 3 mm. The number of turns may range from 3 to 6.

When the applicator 3 is observed from the side, for example, as shown in FIG. 28, the line L interconnecting the free ends of the bristles may present a distance from the axis Y that passes through at least one extremum, e.g., a maximum distance of a free end of a longest applicator element relative to axis Y.

When the applicator 3 includes a brush, the bristles 60 that are used may be relatively fine, e.g., bristles 60 may have a diameter of about 6/100 mm.

The bristles 60 may present any suitable cross-section, for example, a cross-section that is solid and/or substantially circular.

The core 61 may be formed by a metal wire folded into any suitable shape, for example, a U-shape with its branches being twisted together so as to clamp the bristles between them.

The metal wire used may be relatively fine, e.g., the metal wire may have a diameter less than 0.7 mm. For example, the metal wire may have a diameter in the range of 0.35 mm to 0.5 mm.

FIGS. 29 to 35 shows various applicators according to various embodiments of the invention.

The applicator 3 may include a brush presenting an envelope surface having any suitable shape. For example, as shown in FIG. 29, the brush may be substantially conical or frustoconical, and/or the longest bristles may be situated beside the stem 4.

The angle α formed between the perpendicular to the longitudinal axis Y of the brush passing through the cross-section of greatest dimension, and the tangent to the envelope surface may have any suitable angle, for example, lying in the range of 20° to 60°.

The applicator 3 may constitute a brush having an envelope surface having any suitable shape, for example, a substantially bi-conical shape as shown in FIG. 30, or a substantially conical or frustoconical shape with the shortest bristles being beside the stem 4, as shown in FIG. 31.

The longitudinal axis Y of the brush may be in alignment with the axis X of the stem.

The axis Y may form an angle α with the axis X of the stem, for example, as shown in FIGS. 32 to 35. The angle α may be any suitable angle, for example, in the range of about 5° to about 45°, e.g., about 20°.

The envelope surface E of the brush may have any suitable cross-sectional shape, for example, circular, as shown in FIG. 36, a polygonal shape, and/or an oblong shape, and may have indentations and/or crenellations.

When the twisted core is bent, the bend may be situated at or close to the stem 4, for example, as shown in FIGS. 32 to 35.

In various embodiments not shown, the core may be curved.

FIGS. 37 and 38 show other exemplary embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 37 shows a device in which the substance P may be contained in a receptacle 2. The receptacle 2 may be in the form of a flexible tube.

Other suitable distribution techniques may be used for depositing substance P on the applicator 3, e.g., a pump type dispenser.

The device may comprise a receptacle 2 containing a solid cake of substance P, for example, as shown in FIG. 38. The cake may be moistened and the applicator may be moved so as to contact with the moistened portion in order to pick up substance. In another embodiment, the applicator may be moistened and may be moved so as to contact a previously unmoistened portion of the substance.

In the exemplary embodiments shown in FIGS. 37 and 38, the proximal end of the applicator may not include a handle or a closure cap, for example, because the applicator cannot be stored in the receptacle containing the substance. In these and other embodiments, the stem itself may be used as a handle.

In addition to the receptacle 2 containing the substance P and the applicator 3, the device may include a second receptacle 70 containing a substance P′ and a second substance 71 which may be different from the applicator 3, for example, as shown in FIG. 39. The applicator 71 may comprise a conventional mascara brush.

The receptacle 2 containing the substance P may have a bottom skirt 72, for example, as shown in FIG. 39. The bottom skirt 72 may be provided with a thread and may constitute the closure cap for the receptacle 70 containing the other substance P′.

The applicator 71 may be used, for example, to apply a first substance on the eyelashes, e.g., a mascara of a certain color, and then the user can use the substance 3 to make up certain patches of the eyelashes, e.g., in a color different from the mascara of a certain color.

Other exemplary embodiments of devices having two receptacles and two applicators are shown in FIGS. 40 to 43.

In these and related embodiments, the applicators may point in opposite directions such that each receptacle may be used as a handle for the applicator associated with the other receptacle.

The device may comprise a mascara brush and an applicator 3 that may constitute a comb, for example, as shown in FIG. 40. Alternatively, the applicator 3 of the device may constitute a brush, for example, as shown in FIG. 41. The mascara brush may be selected, for example, from those described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,937,870 or FR 2 605 505, the contents of each of which are incorporated in the present application by reference.

The device may have a comb and an applicator 3 may also constitute a comb, for example, as shown in FIG. 42. Alternatively, the applicator may comprise a comb together with an applicator that may constitute a brush, for example, as shown in FIG. 43. The combs of the applicators 71 in FIGS. 42 and 43 may, for example, be selected from those described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,581,610, WO 01/05271, or U.S. Pat. No. 6,539,950, the contents of each of which are incorporated in the present application by reference.

Each of the devices of FIGS. 40 to 43 may comprise a tubular sleeve 80 interconnecting the closure caps 82 and 7 respectively associated with the receptacles 70 and 2. For example, the closure caps 82 and 7 may be held together using any suitable method, e.g., by friction, adhesive, or snap-fastening inside the sleeve 80.

In each of the devices of FIGS. 40 to 43, the substance P′ contained in the second receptacle 70 may be different from the substance P contained in the receptacle 2.

For example, the substance P′ may be a mascara of a color that is different from the color of the substance P, e.g., the substance P′ may be of a color other than black, while the substance P may be black.

In an exemplary embodiment, the substance P′ may first be applied to the eyelashes or the eyebrows, after which the substance P may be applied, for example, to only some of the eyelashes or eyebrows so as to form colored patches.

The resulting makeup may have at least some of the eyelashes being bunched together, for example, as shown in FIG. 44 or 45. In some embodiments, only some of the eyelashes are bunched together, for example, as shown in FIG. 44, while in other examples substantially all of the eyelashes are to be found in bunches, for example, as shown in FIG. 45. In other embodiments, it may also be possible for the eyelashes not to be bunched together at all.

In various embodiment, a given fringe of eyelashes may have a plurality of patches of different colors.

Naturally, the invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. In particular, the characteristics of the various embodiments described can be combined with one another. For example, the wiper member may be different from that described herein.

Throughout the description, including in the claims, the term “comprising a” should be understood as being synonymous with the term “comprising at least one” unless specified to the contrary. In addition, it should be understand that any range referred to herein includes the limits of that range (e.g., a range of 2 to 4 includes both 2 and 4).

In exemplary embodiments, the applicator elements may extend transversely relative to the longitudinal axis of the stem or to the axis of the wiping member.

Although the present invention herein has been described with reference to particular embodiments, it is to be understood that these embodiments are merely illustrative of certain principles and applications of the present invention. It is therefore to be understood that numerous modifications may be made to the illustrative embodiments and that other arrangements may be devised without departing from the present invention. 

1. An applicator for applying a substance to a fringe of eyelashes or eyebrows, the applicator comprising: a stem; and a comb comprising: a support associated with the stem and extending along a longitudinal axis, and a plurality of applicator elements extending from the support substantially transversely relative to the longitudinal axis, wherein the applicator elements extend over a distance along the longitudinal axis of the support such that when the longitudinal axis extends substantially tangentially to the fringe, the applicator elements can at most come into contact simultaneously with no more than one-fourth of the eyelashes or the eyebrows of the fringe.
 2. An applicator according to claim 1, wherein the applicator elements are disposed in at least one row.
 3. An applicator according to claim 2, wherein the applicator elements have free ends at a distance from the longitudinal axis that vary in non-monotonic manner between two opposite end applicator elements of the row.
 4. An applicator according to claim 2, wherein the number of applicator elements in the row lies in the range of 3 to
 9. 5. An applicator according to claim 1, wherein the number of applicator elements is less than
 9. 6. An applicator according to claim 2, wherein the applicator elements comprise two applicator elements.
 7. An applicator according to claim 1, wherein the applicator elements comprise teeth.
 8. (canceled)
 9. An applicator according to claim 1, wherein the applicator elements extend along the support over a distance lying in a range of about 0.1 cm to about 1 cm.
 10. An applicator according to claim 1, wherein the applicator elements extend along the support over a distance less than or equal to 8 mm.
 11. An applicator according to claim 1, wherein the applicator elements extend along the support over a distance lying in the range of about 2 mm to 5 mm.
 12. An applicator according to claim 1, wherein the applicator elements extend along the support over a distance lying in the range of 2 mm to 3 mm.
 13. An applicator according to claim 1, wherein the support and the applicator elements are defined by a single piece of material.
 14. An applicator according to claim 1, wherein the applicator elements are fitted to the support.
 15. An applicator according to claim 1, wherein the support and the stem are defined by a single piece of material.
 16. An applicator according to claim 1, wherein the support is fitted to the stem.
 17. An applicator according to claim 16, wherein the support includes an endpiece configured to engage a housing of the stem.
 18. An applicator according to claim 16, wherein the stem includes an endpiece configured to engage a housing of the support.
 19. An applicator according to claim 1, wherein the stem extends along a longitudinal axis that is not the same as the longitudinal axis of the support.
 20. An applicator according to claim 19, wherein the longitudinal axis of the stem forms an angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the support, wherein the angle lies in a range of 5° to 45°.
 21. An applicator according to claim 20, wherein the angle is equal to about 20°.
 22. An applicator according to claim 19, wherein the longitudinal axis of the support is substantially curvilinear.
 23. An applicator according to claim 1, wherein the longitudinal axis of the support is substantially rectilinear.
 24. An applicator according to claim 1, wherein the stem extends along a longitudinal axis coinciding with the longitudinal axis of the support.
 25. An applicator according to claim 1, wherein the applicator at least partially comprises at least one of thermoplastic material, elastomer material, thermoplastic elastomer material, wood, or metal.
 26. An applicator according to claim 1, wherein the support comprises an elastically deformable material.
 27. An applicator according to claim 1, wherein a line interconnecting free ends of the applicator elements has a distance from the longitudinal axis of the support that passes through at least one extremum.
 28. An applicator according to claim 27, wherein the extremum is a maximum.
 29. An applicator according to claim 28, wherein at least part of the line defines a shape that is triangular, rounded, circular, or bullet-shaped.
 30. An applicator according to claim 28, wherein the distance between the line and the longitudinal axis of the support passes through two extremums.
 31. An applicator according to claim 28, further comprising a single longest applicator element that is longer than the other applicator elements.
 32. An applicator according to claim 28, further comprising two longer applicator elements that are longer than the other applicator elements.
 33. An applicator according to claim 32, wherein the two longer applicator elements are consecutive such that another applicator element is not disposed between the two longer applicator elements.
 34. An applicator according to claim 28, wherein a first line interconnects the free ends of a longest applicator element associated with the maximum and a shortest applicator element closest to the longest applicator element, wherein a second line is normal to the longitudinal axis of the support and passes through the free end of the longest applicator element, and wherein the first line and the second line form an angle that lies in a range of about 25° to about 60°.
 35. An applicator according to claim 34, wherein the angle is equal to about 43°.
 36. An applicator according to claim 2, wherein the applicator elements are disposed in at least two rows.
 37. An applicator according to claim 36, wherein the applicator elements of a first row and the applicator elements of a second row extend in different directions.
 38. An applicator according to claim 36, wherein the applicator elements of a first row and the applicator elements of a second row are substantially parallel.
 39. An applicator according to claim 36, wherein the at least two rows are disposed substantially opposite to each other relative to the support.
 40. An applicator according to claim 1, wherein the heights of the applicator elements lie in a range of about 0.5 mm to about 10 mm.
 41. An applicator according to claim 1, wherein the heights of the applicator elements lie in a range of about 1 mm to about 3 mm.
 42. An applicator according to claim 1, wherein the applicator elements are disposed in at least one row, wherein the at least one row comprises a succession of applicator elements at least some of which extend in alternation on opposite sides of a separation plane.
 43. An applicator according to claim 1, wherein the applicator elements have bases that are substantially in alignment.
 44. An applicator according to claim 1, wherein the applicator elements have bases that are not in alignment.
 45. An applicator according to claim 1, wherein the applicator elements are disposed in at least one row, wherein the at least one row extends along an axis that is not rectilinear.
 46. An applicator according to claim 1, wherein the applicator elements are disposed in at least one row, wherein the applicator elements are disposed in alternation on opposite sides of a middle core of the support.
 47. An applicator according to claim 1, wherein the applicator elements are disposed in at least one row, wherein the at least one row comprises a succession of applicator elements at least some of which are disposed in alternation on either side of a separation plane, wherein two consecutive applicator elements have adjacent portions that substantially appear to touch or overlap when the applicator element is observed from the side, wherein the two consecutive applicator elements form between them a notch configured to take hold of an eyelash. 48.-56. (canceled)
 57. A packaging and applicator device for applying a substance to a fringe of eyelashes or eyebrows, the device comprising: a receptacle for containing the substance; and an applicator according to claim
 1. 58. A device according to claim 57, further comprising a wiper member.
 59. A device according to claim 58, wherein the wiper member includes an annular lip configured to wipe the stem.
 60. A device according to claim 57, wherein the stem is associated with a closure cap of the receptacle, wherein the applicator is configured to be housed inside the receptacle when the device is in a closed position.
 61. A device according to claim 57, further comprising the substance, wherein the substance is mascara.
 62. A device according to claim 61, wherein the mascara has a color other than black.
 63. A device according to claim 57, further comprising an additional receptacle and an additional applicator.
 64. A device according to claim 63, wherein the additional receptacle contains a substance different from a substance contained in the receptacle. 65.-70. (canceled)
 71. A comb for applying a substance to eyelashes and/or eyebrows, the comb comprising: a support; and teeth extending substantially transversely relative to a longitudinal axis of the support, wherein each tooth is spaced from each of the other teeth by a distance of less than or equal to 8 mm along the longitudinal axis.
 72. A comb according to claim 71, wherein the distance is less than or equal to 7 mm.
 73. A comb for applying a substance to eyelashes and/or eyebrows, the comb comprising: a support; and teeth extending transversely to a longitudinal axis of the support, wherein the comb has a longest tooth having a first length and a shortest tooth having a second length, wherein the ratio of the first length to the second length is greater than or equal to 1.3.
 74. A comb for applying a substance to eyelashes and/or eyebrows, the comb comprising: a support; and teeth extending transversely to a longitudinal axis of the support, wherein an angle defined by a first line that intersects a free end of a shortest tooth and a free end of a longest tooth and a second line disposed perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the support and passing through the free end of the longest tooth lies in a range of 20° to 60°.
 75. A method of making up eyelashes or eyebrows with a substance, the method comprising: applying the substance to at least one patch of eyelashes or eyebrows using an applicator as defined in claim
 1. 76. A method according to claim 75, further comprising making up the eyelashes or the eyebrows using a cosmetic substance different from the substance of the applying.
 77. A method according to claim 75, wherein the applicator elements at most come in contact simultaneously with no more than one-fourth of the eyelashes or the eyebrows of a fringe of the eyelashes or eyebrows. 